Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history after a stunning solo effort sealed the Gunners’ win over Everton on Saturday night.
The England youth international wrapped up a potentially pivotal Arsenal win with nearly the last kick of the game to take the Gunners 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League, and at 16 years and 73 days, he becomes the youngest scorer in league history ahead of former Everton player James Vaughan.
Dowman picked the ball up from a clearance and breezed past Vitalii Mykolenko in his own half before skipping past Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall near halfway and, with Jordan Pickford having come up for the late corner, the youngster found himself clean through from the halfway line.
He raced clear of the visiting defenders before tapping in from close range, sealing the win and sparking raucous celebration at the Emirates as he also became the youngest goalscorer in club history.
It was the icing on the cake of a win that had not seemed likely before Dowman replaced Martin Zubimendi on 74 minutes, but the 16-year-old had played his part in the first goal too, delivering a great cross that Pickford failed to deal with before Viktor Gyokeres tapped in the opener.
And with the Gunners moving 10 points clear of City ahead of the Cityzens’ Saturday night match against West Ham, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was quick to heap praise on his teenage sensation.
“He changed the game every time he got the ball. He made things happen and we looked like more of a threat. To do it at that age, in this context, with the pressure and expectations to win the game, it’s just not normal,” said the Gunners boss.
“It was magical, all the bench and players together jumping up with the crowd, it was a beautiful day.
“It’s natural for him. He doesn’t feel the pressure – that’s the best thing. He does what he feels and when you have such a talent, I’m sure good things are going to happen.”
The result means Arsenal will be at least seven points clear of City at the end of the weekend, with both sides set to face off in the Carabao Cup final next weekend on 22 March.
